European court says Microsoft's Skype logo, name too similar to Sky broadcaster

A court ruling in Europe, which said Microsoft's Skype logo and name was too similar to the Sky broadcaster, will effectively prevent the tech giant from registering a trademark for the Skype name and logo design in the subcontinent.

This is the second time Microsoft has been dragged into a legal battle with British Sky Broadcasting Group (BSkyB). The firm previously forced Microsoft to rename its SkyDrive cloud storage service to OneDrive after a UK court ruled it was too similar, reported The Verge.

A Microsoft spokesperson said that they were confident that no confusion existed between these brands and services, adding that they will appeal against the court ruling. The spokesperson added that the verdict did not require the company to alter their product names in any way.

While Microsoft may not be forced to rename Skype, Sky may ask for licensing fees to use the Skype brand in Europe.

Sky filed a complaint in 2005, six years before Microsoft acquired Skype in an 8.5 billion dollar deal.